Buccaneers: Does Tanner Hudson make Cameron Brate expendable?

Tanner Hudson has been thriving this preseason, begging the question: can the Tampa Bay Buccaneers feel comfortable trading Cameron Brate?

Over the past three seasons, tight end Cameron Brate has been a go-to and reliable target for quarterback Jameis Winston to target. However, with his $7 million due to him this season, can the Tampa Bay Buccaneers afford to keep him?

With the development and standout performances of backup tight end Tanner Hudson, has Brate become expendable for the Buccaneers? In the first two weeks of the preseason, Hudson has set a torrid pace, totaling 13 catches for 177 yards and two touchdowns with the backups.

Listed at a massive 6-5 and 240 pounds, Hudson has been a matchup nightmare thus far for opposing teams. Before the Buccaneers can potentially think about pulling the trigger on a Brate trade, they must get Hudson reps with the first team offense and some chemistry with Winston.

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Good tight ends are hard to find in today’s NFL and are absolutely vital in a pass heavy league. The Buccaneers might have the luxury of rostering three right now with Hudson, Brate, and former first round pick O.J. Howard; their talent at other positions, such as their defensive line, is not as deep, however.

If the Buccaneers can develop some familiarity and chemistry between Hudson and Winston, then a trade of Brate for a starter along the defensive front would only help to benefit the Buccaneers’ chances at winning in 2019. It is imperative for the Buccaneers to begin giving Hudson the first team reps that he has earned at this point in the summer.

There will be a market for Brate, but it would be wise to find a trade partner before the start of the regular season, so the Buccaneers must act fast to make their move. If Hudson continues to develop as rapidly as it seems and plays well against opposing first team defenses, the Buccaneers could make Brate’s $7 million stretch a long way.

Keep a close eye on the second-year undrafted tight end as the preseason enters its third week. If he continues to post gaudy numbers, then attention must be shifted to how the Buccaneers can flip Brate for some talent and depth at shallower positions on the roster.